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Assisi Italy

INTRODUCTION

Assisi is a picturesque town in the Umbria region. It is home to the Franciscan religious order and the Poor Clares. Assisi is famous for its abundance of historic churches.

HISTORY

Assisi's history is what makes it such a popular tourist attraction. It is the birthplace of St. Francis, patron saint of Italy and founder of the Fransiscan religious order, St. Clare, founder of the Poor Clares, and Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The city walls and forum, along with many other sites in Assisi, are remains from when Romans took over most of central Italy around 295 BC.

Earthquakes hit the town in 1997, but Assisi has since recovered and restored its historic attractions.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Many basilicas in Assisi enforce a strict dress code: no shorts, miniskirts, or bare shoulders.

There are many steep hills to climb to walk around town, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

ATTRACTIONS

Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi-This monastery, lower, and upper church date back to 1228. St. Francis's crypt is located here. The basilica is home to many historic frescoes.

Basilica of Santa Chiara-This basilica, dedicated to St. Clare, is built of alternating pink and white stone. St. Clare's body rests here, along with frescoes depicting her life.

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli-This gigantic building is the seventh largest Christian church. It is divided into three naves. It is relatively simple, but decorated with frescoes. The Madonna of the Angels statue on top of the basilica was placed there in 1930.

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